About Tet Doan Ngo
Tet Doan Ngo (also called "Tet diet sau bo" or the Pest-Killing Festival) falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It is a traditional Vietnamese festival believed to eliminate pests that harm crops and health. Families prepare offerings to worship ancestors and deities, praying for health and good harvests.
Customs vary by region, but the worship tray typically includes fermented rice wine, tro cakes, seasonal fruits, duck meat, and sweet soup. This guide provides practical steps for preparation and arrangement, with flexibility for local traditions.
Preparing the Offerings
- Fermented rice wine (ruou nep): sweet and slightly sour, a key offering.
- Tro cakes (banh tro): sticky rice cakes soaked in alkaline water, wrapped in leaves.
- Seasonal fruits: lychees, plums, peaches, or watermelon, washed and fresh.
- Duck meat (boiled or roasted): common in the North; sometimes replaced by pork or chicken in the South.
- Sweet soup (che): made from millet, mung bean, or glutinous rice balls.
- Incense, fresh flowers, candles: for the altar.
- Betel and areca nut: optional, for respect.
- Votive paper (vang ma): optional, burned after the ceremony.
Arranging the Tray
Step 1: Prepare the space
Choose a clean tray or table. Place it on the ancestral altar or a high table in a solemn spot.
Step 2: Arrange the items
- Put the incense burner (if any) at the center back.
- Place fresh flowers on both sides.
- Light candles or oil lamps in front.
- Arrange the main offerings: put rice wine in the middle, tro cakes beside it, fruits on a separate plate, duck meat on a large dish, sweet soup in bowls, and betel leaves (if used) at a corner.
- Keep votive paper separate, away from food.
Ensure everything is balanced and neat.
Performing the Ceremony
Step 1: Choose the time
Worship at noon (11 AM to 1 PM) is traditional, but morning or evening is acceptable.
Step 2: Clean and set up
Clean the altar area thoroughly, then arrange the tray.
Step 3: Light incense and pray
Light three incense sticks and candles. Stand respectfully and recite a prayer. If you don't know a specific verse, you can sincerely express gratitude to deities and ancestors, asking for health, pest elimination, and good fortune. Avoid making up long prayers; simple words from the heart are fine.
Step 4: Wait and burn votive paper
Wait for the incense to burn out (about 15-30 minutes). Then, burn votive paper in a safe outdoor area. Safety note: keep away from flammable materials, supervise the fire, and ensure it is completely extinguished.
Step 5: Lower the tray and enjoy
After burning, lower the tray. Family members can share the offerings (called "thu loc"). Eating fermented rice, tro cakes, and fruits is believed to help eliminate internal pests, but moderation is advised, especially for children and those with stomach issues.
Important Notes
- Regional variations: The tray may differ; the North often includes duck, while the South may add local specialties. Adjust according to family and local customs.
- Safety first: Always handle incense, candles, and votive paper with care to prevent fires. Keep children away from flames.
- Sincerity matters: The most important element is a respectful heart. Use this occasion for family gathering and cultural remembrance.
